Myron Jolkovsky

Myron was predeceased by his parents, Abe and Ada Jolkovsky; his brother and sister-in-law, Stanley and Mary Alice Jolkovsky, and their son, Rick; his sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Al Kaufman and their daughters, Beverly and Janice.

He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 56 years, Cathy; his three daughters: Reba and her children Hannah (husband Amir), Logan (wife Courtney), and Ansley; Mara, with Monty and their children Sam and Emry; and Edie, with Josh and their children Abraham and Jaxson. He is also survived by nieces Rachel Townsend and Cheryl Visosky and their children and grandchildren; nephew David (wife Ann and their children); niece Merryn (wife to his late nephew Rick) and their children; nephew Harvey Seigel (husband to his late niece, Janice) and family; and the children and grandchildren of his late niece Beverly.

Myron was the youngest child of Abe and Ada, who raised their family in East St. Louis. At 21 years old, Myron was inducted into the Army and served in combat infantry operations in Korea, earning the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars for participation in two Korean War campaigns. Though he carried a weapon, he often said he was fortunate to spend much of his service working as a cook, helping ensure the troops were fed. He shared that, aside from always carrying his weapon, his most vivid memory was simply how unbearably cold it was.

Upon his honorable discharge from the Army at the rank of Sergeant (T), Myron returned to St. Louis and attended Washington University. He began law school but, after a bout with appendicitis, chose not to return. He instead began what would become a 37-year career with the IRS. Before retiring from the Atlanta District in 1992, he had been the Chief, Audit Division and Chief of Employee Plans/Exempt Orgs Division. He was then invited to be a Principal with Ernst & Young in Atlanta, where he worked until retiring again in 1998.

Myron and Cathy married in January 1970 and welcomed what many would say were his most prized possessions: their three daughters, Reba, Mara, and Edie. Raising his girls with Cathy brought him more joy than words can explain, and watching his daughters build families of their own only deepened that joy. As much as he loved his girls, his grandchildren — Hannah, Logan, Ansley, Sam, Emry, Abraham, and Jaxson — were among his greatest treasures. Being “Poppy” was a role he cherished and poured himself into every day.

Above all else, family and lifelong friendships were what mattered most to him. Affectionately called Myron (sometimes in all caps), Daddy, Poppy, Uncle Moe, Boss, Coach, and occasionally the self-proclaimed “Mudd” when making reservations (much to the dismay of his kids), he seldom had a cross or unkind word for anyone. He was endlessly ready to help others — with his hands, his mind, or his heart.

Myron rarely left a room without making an impression: sharing a smile, offering wisdom, or simply making someone feel cared for. He taught each of us the value of family, kindness, hard work, patience, laughter, loyalty, compassion, and respect. He never stopped teaching us - learning from us - helping us become better people.

Though the hole his passing leaves in our lives can never be filled, the memories we carry will remain in our hearts forever. Our love for him will only grow stronger and we will do our best to honor him every day.

We will celebrate his life as follows and invite those who share our love for him to join us: visitation Wednesday, June 3rd from 6 to 8 pm at H.M. Patterson & Sons (175 Allen Road NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328). Graveside services, Thursday, June 4th at the Georgia National Cemetery (1080 Scott Hudgens Drive Canton, GA 30114) beginning at 11 am (attendees should arrive no later than 10:30 am) followed by a reception at Reba's house.